Ghana has taken a significant step toward implementing its digital trade agenda as stakeholders convened for the third National Steering Committee (NESC) Meeting on E-Commerce and Digital Trade in Accra.
The two-day meeting, which began on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, brings together representatives from government institutions, regulators, private sector actors, and development partners to translate the country’s National E-Commerce and Digital Trade Work Plan into actionable outcomes.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Madam Stella A. Ansah, Director of the Foreign Trade and Negotiations Directorate, called for a shift from discussions to implementation.
“We have started well… but after this meeting, we must go beyond talking and start real implementation. When we meet, we should be discussing the impact we have made,” she stressed.
She acknowledged the progress made so far, including the approval of the Committee’s Terms of Reference and the development of a comprehensive work plan, but emphasised the need for measurable results.
“The focus now must be on implementation and outcomes, not prolonged discussions,” she added.
The meeting featured a series of technical presentations aimed at aligning Ghana’s strategy with global best practices while addressing local realities.
A presentation by Boston Consulting Group highlighted practical approaches to operationalising national e-commerce strategies, drawing lessons from both African and international experiences.
The session underscored the importance of aligning policy frameworks with private sector dynamics.
Another session by ODI Global examined Ghana’s digital identity ecosystem and its readiness for integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol.
Providing industry perspective, Jumia Ghana shared insights on the realities of running e-commerce platforms in the country, focusing on business models, marketplace structures, and operational challenges, including payments and logistics.
The highlight of the day was a presentation on the 2026 National E-Commerce and Digital Trade Work Plan by Eric K. Asamoah, a Senior Trade Officer at the Ministry. He outlined a strategic shift from policy formulation to execution, anchored on six key outcomes.
“The work plan is designed to strengthen Ghana’s digital trade ecosystem by addressing gaps in regulation, infrastructure, digital payments, logistics, and cybersecurity,” he explained.
According to Mr. Asamoah, the plan prioritises strengthening the policy and regulatory environment, enhancing digital infrastructure, boosting MSME participation, improving trade logistics, reinforcing data governance and consumer trust, and ensuring effective coordination.
He revealed that targeted interventions include onboarding 2,000 MSMEs onto e-commerce platforms, establishing regional e-commerce resource centres, expanding broadband access, improving cross-border payment systems, and strengthening last-mile delivery networks.
“Successful implementation of this plan will boost MSME competitiveness, create jobs, and deepen Ghana’s participation in regional and global digital trade,” he noted.
Closing the first day’s proceedings, Co-Chair of the meeting, Mr. Emmanuel Ofori, commended participants for their engagement and urged sustained commitment.
“We must remain actively engaged and work together to develop realistic and sustainable financing models to support implementation,” he said.
The meeting continues on Wednesday, March 18, with breakout sessions expected to define institutional roles, timelines, and coordination mechanisms for executing the 2026 work plan.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
